Biblical Answer

The Key to Showing Kindness without Expecting Anything in Return

To show kindness to those around us without expecting anything in return, we must cultivate a heart of humility and a spirit of generosity. The Bible teaches us to "bind kindness and truth around our neck, write them on the tablet of our heart" (Proverbs 3:3). This means that we must make a conscious effort to be kind and truthful, even when it's not easy or convenient. We must also be willing to put on a friendly manner, even when we're not feeling particularly friendly, as Jesus teaches us to "be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36). This kind of kindness is not about trying to impress others or gain their approval, but about reflecting the character of God.

When we show kindness without expecting anything in return, we are not motivated by a desire for reward or recognition. Instead, we are motivated by a desire to serve and honor God. As Jesus says, "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). This kind of selfless kindness is a hallmark of the Christian life, and it is a key way that we demonstrate our love for God and for others.

Ultimately, showing kindness without expecting anything in return is a matter of the heart. It requires us to be willing to serve and love others, even when it's not easy or convenient. It requires us to be humble and generous, and to trust that God will reward us in His own way. As the Bible says, "Do not be outdone in generosity" (2 Corinthians 8:7), and "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). By living out these principles, we can show kindness to those around us without expecting anything in return, and we can demonstrate the character of God to a watching world.